Craft connection
What began as a way to bring Christchurch’s creative community back together following the earthquakes has become a much-loved market, still going strong 15 years on.
LEFT TO RIGHT Lee Arthur, Bronwyn Finch, and Helen Moore
As Ōtautahi Christchurch began picking up the pieces following the earthquakes, two women had an idea. They wanted to bring the city’s creative community back together, giving makers somewhere to sell their work and connect with like-minded people.
That idea became Encraftment Market, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in May this year.
Founded by Bronwyn Finch and Paula Park, Encraftment was born out of necessity. The earthquakes had destroyed shops, studios, and market spaces, leaving many of the city’s talented craftspeople without somewhere to showcase their work.
It is now one of Christchurch’s most loved handmade markets, attracting thousands of visitors and hundreds of applications from stallholders each year. Today, Encraftment hosts two events annually: the Winter Encraftment Market and the Christmas Encraftment Market, each bringing together a carefully curated selection of New Zealand makers.
Bronwyn remains at the helm, alongside Lee Arthur and Helen Moore, both of whom first became involved as stallholders.
It’s a fitting reflection of what Encraftment has always been about – the connections made through a shared love of creativity.
For Lee, those relationships have been among the greatest rewards of the past 15 years.
“The connections we have built are wonderful – this is our tribe. It is a community that is there for each other.”
It’s a sentiment shared by the makers themselves, many of whom return year after year, not only to sell their creations but to reconnect with friends.
“Many of the stallholders have become good mates over the years. They mention they love to catch up every market,” Lee says.
Lee mentions that the drive to shop more sustainably and the curated nature of the market are huge motivators for people attending the markets.
“With consumers becoming more mindful of where things come from, and the challenges we’ve all faced over the past few years, people like the connection the markets provide, and the knowledge that something is well made and it will last them.”
“I think it helps that we are a curated market. We receive more applications than we have space for, so it’s a reflection of the best of the best.”
The Christmas Market, returning to Pioneer Stadium on 21 and 22 November, promises the familiar atmosphere that has made it such a favourite on the city’s calendar.
“It’s such a wonderful vibe,” Lee says.
Visitors can expect plenty of Christmas shopping, good coffee, music, and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to meet the people behind the products.
Helen, who also operates her own stall, Little Lions, says the market encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy themselves.
It’s somewhere to bring a best friend or favourite shopping companion, take your time, and discover something special.
With free entry, there’s certainly no pressure to rush.
Bronwyn says many visitors spend Saturday browsing before returning on Sunday to make their purchases.
“People don’t feel pressured to buy in a rush.”
Behind the scenes, the three women have developed a partnership built on friendship, experience, and a shared commitment to supporting local creativity.
“We are a well-oiled machine now, and we work so well together,” Lee laughs, describing any mistakes along the way as “learning opportunities”.
Fifteen years after its beginnings, Encraftment remains true to its original purpose – bringing people together through things made with care.